Mars recalls chocolate over Salmonella risk

Slough
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Global confectioner Mars has recalled a number of its products over fears they have been manufactured contamination with the bacterium Salmonella.

The affected products include popular brands like Galaxy, Maltesers Teasers and Minstrels. This is due to, the company states, the "potential presence of Salmonella [sic]". The recall was initiated after Salmonella bacteria were detected in the common product ingredients. Strains of Salmonella bacteria cause illnesses such as typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, and food poisoning (salmonellosis).

Mars added further to their statement, in the form of an update: "We are working closely with the relevant food safety authorities and our customers to ensure that the affected products are no longer available for purchase." The retailer explained that just under 3,000 products were affected.

The affected products Mars were distributed for sale in the U.K. and Ireland. The advice is that the products should not be eaten and the manufacture be contacted for a refund. It is thought, the BBC notes, that some of the products will have already been sold to customers.

According to The Guardian, the latest recall, described as a “precaution”, comes after Mars withdrew products in 55 countries during 2016.

Mars is a U.S. based global manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products. The company is headquartered in McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia, U.S. The company is privately owned by the Mars family. Mars Food UK Limited is the name of the British branch of Mars, Inc. The company is based in Slough, UK.